Rousseau and Burke

Jean-Jacque Rousseau has been remembered as the philosopher behind the ideals of the French Revolution; however, this is not exactly true. Rousseau believed in the popular will, in other words, he wanted something like universal suffrage and an elected aristocracy. Rousseau believed that society’s laws were rooted in the social contract. According to his theory, authority is granted by the people in return for goods from those in power. As a result, if the government does not provide those goods, then its authority may be reduced or eliminated. In addition to these thoughts, Rousseau also argued for a simple, rural lifestyle governed by simplicity and reason.  

Edmund Burke, on the other hand, has been remembered as the first person to predict the eventual violence of the French Revolution.  Burke believed that political systems shouldn’t be governed by reason, as reason cannot be trusted. Instead, Burke believed that tradition is the best way to organize our lives. By following older models, Burke believed we could ensure gradual change. Gradual change is much safer, and more respectful towards human nature than radical shifts, even if they are governed by reasonable theories. An interesting aspect of Burke’s thought is his argument that while the French Revolution was wrong, because it was rooted in rational thought, the American Revolution was correct, because it simply asked to be given back its old traditional rights.

Please be prepared to share in class.

• 1.       Do you believe that we can trust our own rational thoughts? Explain.
• 2.       Can tradition be rational? Explain.
• 3.       Whose (Rousseau’s or Burke’s) opinions resonate more with your own? Explain.